Insecticidal and acarididal substituted phenyl thiophosphoric acid esters

ABSTRACT

Organic phosphoric acid derivatives of the formula   wherein R1 is C3 - C5 alkyl, optionally interrupted by oxygen or sulphur, R2 is methyl or ethyl, R3 is alkylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, alkylaminocarbonyl, dialkylaminocarbonyl trihaloalkyl, R4 and R5 are each independently hydrogen, C1-C5, alkyl or halogen and X is oxygen or sulphur, THEIR MANUFACTURE AND THEIR USE IN PEST CONTROL.

[ INSECTICIDAL AND ACARIDIDAL SUBSTITUTED PHENYL THIOPHOSPHORIC ACID ESTERS [75] Inventors: Jozef Drabek, Allschwil; Denis Varsanyi, Arlesheim, both of Switzerland [73] Assignee: Ciba-Geigy Corporation, Ardsley,

[22] Filed: Dec. 16, 1974 [2i] Appl, No.: 532,975

Related U.S. Application Data [62] Division of Scr. N0. 488,59l, July [5, I974, Pat, No.

3,867,525 which is a division of Scr. N0, 292,2l8,

Sept. 25, I972, Pat, No, 3,839,509.

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data Sept, 30, 197] Switzerland [4208/7] July 27, I972 Switzerland ll229/72 (52] U.S. Cl 424/225; 424/DlG. 8

[51} Int. Cl. 1 AOIN 9/36 [58] Field of Search 424/225, DIG. 8

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3.725514 4/[973 Tsuchiya et al 260/964 3 8l ),755 6/1974 Tarnow et a] 260/955 314251136 7/1974 Kishino et al.,. 260/964 3,839,5ll lO/l974 Kishino et al... 260/964 Primary ExaminerAlbert T. Meyers Assistant Examiner-Allen J. Robinson Attorney, Agent, or FirmFrederick H. Rabin [57] ABSTRACT Qrganic phosphoric acid derivatives of the formula wherein Y R, is C C alkyl, optionally interrupted by oxygen or sulphur,

R is methyl or ethyl.

R is alkylca'rbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, alkylaminocarbonyl, dialkylaminocarhonyl trihaloalkyl,

R and R are each independently hydrogen, C,C

alkyl or halogen and X is oxygen or sulphur,

their manufacture and their use in pest control.

5 Clhims, No Drawings INSECTICIDAL AND ACARICIDAL SUBSTITUTED PHENYL THIOPHOSPHORIC ACID FSTEKQ This is a division of application Ser. No. 488,591 filed on July 15, 1974 now U.S. Pat. No. 3,867,525; which is a division of application Ser. No. 292,2 1 8, filed Sept. 25, 1972, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,839,509.

This invention relates to new organic phosphoric acid derivatives, their manufacture and their use in pest control,

According to the present invention there are provided compounds of the general formula R S if R3 P- O (I) R o wherein R is C, C alkyl, optionally interrupted by oxygen or sulphur,

R is methyl or ethyl,

R;, is alkylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, alkylaminocarbonyl, dialkylaminocarbonyl or trihaloalkyl,

R and R are each independently hydrogen, C -C alkyl or halogen, and

X is oxygen or sulphur.

Halogen denotes fluorine, chlorine, bromine and/or iodine, especially chlorine and/or bromine.

The alkyl groups R R R and R can be branched or straight chain, substituted or unsubstituted, and in the case of R and R preferably have one to five carbon atoms in the chain. Substituents on these groups may be for example halogen, hydroxy, nitro, cyano, alkoxy or alkylthio.

ln the scope of the present invention there are, as alkyl groups, for example methyl, methoxymethyl, ethyl, ethoxyethyl, propyl, isopropyl, n-, i-, sec-. tertbutyl and n-pentyl. Trihaloalkyl may be for example trifluoromethyl, difluorochloromethyl and fluorodichloromethyl.

On account of their activity, preferred compounds or formula I are those in which R. is n-propyl, R-, is ethyl, R is methylcarbonyl, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, methylaminocarbonyl, dimethylaminocarbonyl or trifluoromethyl, R and R are each hydrogen or chlorine and X is oxygen.

The compounds of formula I may be made by the fol lowing methods known per se:

la) R S Acid hindin I P Cl Ho I- R Agent (ll! (lll) lbl X M H (ll) (IV) ln formulae ll, Ill and IV, R to R and X have the meanings given for formula I and Me stands for an alkali metal. particularly sodium or potassium. or an am monium or alkylammonium group.

As acid binding agents there can be used: tertiary ammines, eg. trialkalyammines, pyridine, dialkylanilines; inorganic bases such as hydrides, hydroxides, carbonates and bicarbonates of alkali and alkaline earth metals. In the reactions ir is sometimes necessary to use catalysts such as eg, copper or copper chloride. Reactions la and lb are carried out at a reaction temperature of 0 to [30C at normal pressure and in solvents or diluents inert to the reactants.

Suitable as inert solvents or diluents are, for example ethers and ethereal compounds such as diethyl ether, dipropyl ether, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran; amides such as N,N-dialkylated carboxylic acid amines; aliphatic, aromatic and halogenated hydrocarbons, particularly benzene, toluene, xylene, chloroform, chlorobenzene; nitriles such acetonitrile; DMSO.

The starting materials of formulae ll, Ill and l\/ are known and can be made by methods similar to those known, eg. in J. Org. Chem. 30,32l7 (i965).

The compounds of formula 1 can be used for comb-ab ing the most varied animal and vegetable pests,

Particularly they are suitable for combating all development stages, eg. eggs, larvae, pupae, nymphs and adults of insects of the families: Teltigonidae, Gryllidae, Gryllotalpidae, Blattidae, Peduviidae, Phyrrhocoriae, Cimicidae, Delphacidae, Aphididae, Diaspididae, Pseudococcidae, Scarabaeidae. Dermestidae, Coccinellidae, Tenebrionidae, Chrysomelidae, Bruchidae, Tineidae, Noctuidae, Dymatriidae, Pyralidae, Culicidae, Tipulidae, Stomoydae, Trypetidae, Muscldae, Calliphoridae and Pulicidae, as well as Akarida of the families lxodidae, Tetranychidae and Dermanyssidae,

The insecticidal or acaricidal action can be substantially broadened and matched to give circumstances by the addition of other insecticides and/or acaricides.

As additives there are suitable for example the following active substances:

Organic phosphorus compounds Bis- 0,0-diethylphosphoric acid anhydride (TEPP) (DICHLOR- 4-Methoxycarbonylamino-3-isopropylphenyl-N- methylcarbamate 3,5-Dimethyl-4-methoxycarbonylamino-phenyl-N- methylcarbamate 2--y-Methylthiopropylphenyl-N-methylcarbamate 3-( a-Methoxymethyl-2-propenyl )-phenyl-N- methylcarbamate Z-Chlor-S -tert-butyl-phenyl-N-methylcarbamate 4-( Methyl-propargylamino )-3,5-xylyl-N- methylcarbamate 4-( Methyl-y-chlorallylamino )-3,5 -xylyl-N- methylcarbamate 4-( Methyl-B-chlorallylamino )-3,5-xylyl-N- methylcarbamate l-( B-Aethoxycarbonylethyl )-3-methyl-5-pyrazolyl- N,N-dimethylcarbamate 3-Methyl-4-(dimethylamino-methylmercaptomethylenimino )phenyl-N-methylcarbamate l,3- Bis( carbamoylthio )-2-( N,N-dimethylamino)- propanhydrochloride 5,S-Dimethylhydroresorcinoldimethylcarbamate 2-[ Ethylpropargylamino]-phenyll\lmethylcarbamate 2- [Methylpropargylamino] methylcarbamate 2- [Dipropargylamino] -phenyl-N-methylcarbamate 4- [Dipropargylamino] -3-tolyl-N-methylcarbamate -phenyl-N- 4-[Dipropargylamino] -3,5-xylyl-N- methylcarbamate 2- [Allyl-isopropylamino]-phenyl-N- methylcarbamate 3- [Allyl-isopropylamino]-phenyl-N- methylcarbamate Chlorinated Hydrocarbons 'y-hexachlorocyclohexane [GAMMEHEXANE LIN- DAN: y HCH] l,2,3,4,5 ,6,7,8,8-octachloro-3oz,4,7,7a'tetrahydro- 4,7-methylenindane [CHLORDAN] l ,4,5,6,7,8,S-heptachloro-301,4,7,7a-tetrahydro-4,7-

methylenindane [HEP'TACHLOR] l,2,3,4, l 0, l O-hexachlorol ,4,4a,5,8,8a-hexahydroendo- 1 ,4-exo5,8-dimethanonaphthalene [AL- DRIN] l ,2,3,4,l0,10-hexachloro6,7-epoxy- 1 ,4,4a,5,6,7,8,8a-octahydroexol ,4-endo-5,6- dimethanonaphthalene [DIELDRIN] l ,2,3,4,l0,10-hexachloro-6,7-epoxyl ,4,4a,5,6,7,8,8a-octahydroendo-endo-5,8- dimethanonaphthalene [ENDRlN] Additionally, several compounds of formula I possess nematocidal properties and can be used, for example, for combating the following plant parasitic nematodes. Meloidogyne sp., Heterodera sp., Ditylenchus sp., Pratylenchus sp.,Paraty1enc/1us sp., Anguina sp., Helicorylen- (has sp., Tylenc/zorhynchus sp., Radopholus sp., Belonluismus sp., Trichodorus sp., Longidorus sp., Aphelenchaides sp.

The compounds of formula I can be used alone or together with suitable carriers and/or additives. Suitable carriers or additives can be solid or liquid and correspond to materials customarily used in formulation technique such as eg natural or regenerated materials, solvents, dispersing agents, wetting agents, adhesives, thickeners, binders and/or fertilisers.

For application the compounds of formula I can be processed by means of generally known techniques to dusts, emulsion concentrates, granules, dispersions, sprays, solutions or suspension in the usual way. Cattle dips and spray races, in which aqueous preparations are used should also be mentioned.

The agents according to the invention are manufactured in known manner by intimately mixing and/or grinding active substances of the formula I with the suitable carriers, optionally with the addition of disper sants or solvents which are inert towards the active sub stances. The active substances may be available and can be used in the following forms:

Solid forms dusts, tracking agents, granules, coated granules,

impregnated granules and homogeneous granules. Liquid forms:

(1. active substance concentrates which are dispersible in water: wettable powders. pastes, emulsions;

b. solutions.

To manufacture solid forms (dusts, tracking agents 1, the active substances are mixed with solid carriers. Suitable carriers are, for example: kaolin, talcum, bo lus, loess, chalk, limestone, ground limestone, attaclay, dolomite, diatomaccous earth, precipitated silica, alkaline earth silicates, sodium and potassium aluminium silicates (feldspar and mica), calcium and magnesium sulphates, magnesium oxide, ground synthetic materials, fertilisers, for example ammonium sulphate, ammonium phosphate, ammonium nitrate, urea, ground vegetable products, such as corn meal, bark dust, sawdust, nutshell meal, cellulose powder, residues of plant extractions, activated charcoal etc, each used alone or in admixture with one another.

Granules can be very easily manufactured by dissolving an active substance of the formula I in an or ganic solvent and applying the resulting solution to a granulated material, for example attapulgite, SiO granicalcium, bentonite etc. and then evaporating the solvent.

Polymer granules can also be manufactured by mixing the active substances of the formula I with polymerisable compounds (urea/formaldehyde; dicyandiamide/formaldehyde; melamine/formaldehyde or others), whereupon a mild polymerisation is carried out that does not affect the active substances and in the process of which the granulation is carried out during the gel formation. It is more advantageous to impreg nate finished, porous polymer granules (urea/formaldehyde, polyacrylonitrile, polyester or others) which have a specific surface area and a favourable predeterminable adsorption/desorption ratio, with the active substances, for example in the form of their solutions (in a low boiling solvent) and to remove the solvent. Polymer granules of this kind in the form of microgranulcs having a bulk density of 300 g/litre to 600 g/litre can also be manufactured with the aid of atomisers, The dusting can be carried out from aircraft over extensive areas of cultures of useful plants.

It is also possible to obtain granules by compacting the carrier with the active substance and carriers and subsequently comminuting the product.

To these mixtures can also be added additives which stabilize the active substance and/or non-ionic, anionic and cationic surface active substances, which for exam ple improve the adhesion of the active ingredients on plants or parts of plants (adhesives and agglutinants) and/or ensure a better wettability (wetting agents) and dispersibility (dispersing agents). Examples of suitable adhesives are the following: olein/chalk mixture, cellulose derivatives (methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose), hydroxyethyl glycol ethers of monoalkyl and dialkyl phenols having five to l ethylene oxide radicals per molecule and eight to nine carbon atoms in the alkyl radical, lignin sulfonic acids, their alkali metal and alkaline earth metal salts, polyethylene glycol ethers (Carbowaxes), fatty alcohol polyethylene glycol ethers having five to 20 ethylene oxide radicals per molecule and eight to 18 carbon atoms in the fatty alcohol moiety, condensation products of ethylene ox-' ide/propylene oxide, polyvinyl pyrrolidones, polyvinyl alcohols, condensation products of urea and formaldehyde, and also latex products.

The water-dispersible concentrates of the active substance, i.e., Wettable powders, pastes and emulsifiable concentrates, are agents which can be diluted with water to any concentration desired, They consist of active substance, carrier, optionally additives which stabilize the active substance, surface-active substances and anti-foam agents and, optionally, solvents.

Wettable powders and pastes are obtained by mixing and grinding the active substances with dispersing agents and pulverulent carriers in suitable apparatus until homogeneity is attained. Carriers are, for example, those mentioned for the solid forms of application. ln some cases it is advantageous to use mixtures of different carriers. As dispersing agents there can be used, for example, condensation products of sulfonated naphthalene and sulfonated naphthalene derivatives with formaldehyde, condensation products of naphtha lene or naphthalene sulfonic acids with phenyl and formaldehyde, as well as alkali, ammonium and alkaline earth metal salts of lignin sulfonic acid, in addition,

alkylaryl sulfonates, alkali and alkaline earth metal salts of dibutyl naphthalene sulfonic acid, fatty alcohol sulfates such as salts of sulfated hexadecanols, heptadecanols, octadecanols. and salts of sulfated fatty alcohol glycol ethers, the sodium salt of oleyl methyl tauride, ditertiary ethylene glycols, dialkyl dilauryl ammonium chloride and fatty acid alkali and alkaline earth metal salts.

Suitable anti-foam agents are silicone oils.

The active substances are so mixed, ground, sieved and strained with the additives mentioned above that, in Wettable powders, the solid particle size of from 0.02 to 0.04 and in pastes, of 0.03 mm is not exceeded. To produce emulsifiable concentrates and pastes, dispersing agents such as those given in the previous paragraphs, organic solvents and water are used. Examples of suitable solvents are the following: alcohols, benzene, xylene, toluene, dimethyl sulfoxide, and mineral oil fractions boiling between 120 and 350C. The solvents must be practically odorless, not phytotoxic, and inert to the active substances.

Furthermore, the agents according to the invention can be applied in the form of solutions. For this purpose the active substance or several active substances of general formula I are dissolved in suitable organic solvents, mixtures ofsolvents or in water. Aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, chlorinated derivatives thereof, alkyl naphthalenes, and mineral oils alone or mixed with each other, can be used as organic solvents.

The content of active substance in the above de scribed agents is between 0. l% to 95%, in which connection it should be mentioned that in the case of application from aircraft or some other suitable means of 5 parts of active substance parts of talcum 2 parts of active substance 1 part of highly disperse silicic acid 97 parts of talcum.

The active substances are mixed with the carriers and ground.

Granules The following substances are used to manufacture 5% granules:

parts of active substance part of epichlorohydrin part of cctyl polyglycol ether parts of polyethylene glycol 9 parts of kaolin (particle size 0.30.8 mm).

The active substance is mixed with epichlorohydrin and the mixture dissolved with 6 parts of acetone, then polyethylene glycol and cetyl polyglycol ether are added. The resulting solution is sprayed on kaolin and the acetone is subsequently evaporated in vacuo.

Wettable Powder The following constituents are used to manufacture an (a) 40%, (b and (c) 25% and (d) 10% Wettable powder:

a) 40 parts of active substance 5 parts of sodium lignin sulphonate l part of sodium dibutylnaphthalenesulphonic acid 54 parts of silicic acid b) 25 parts of active substance 4.5 parts of calcium lignin sulphonate [.9 parts of Champagne chalk/hydroxyethyl cellulose mixture (l:l 1.5 parts of sodium dibutylnaphthalenesulphonate l9.5 parts of silicic acid l9.5 parts of Champagne chalk 28.] parts of kaolin; c) 25 parts of active substance 2. 5 parts of isooctylphenoxy-polyoxyethylenc ethanol l .7 pans of Champagne chalk/hydroxycthyl cellulose mixture (l:l) 8.3 parts of sodium aluminium silicate 16.5 parts of kieselguhr 46 parts of kaolin; d) l0 parts of active sul'rstance 3 parts of mixture of sodium salt of saturated fatty alcohol sulphates 5 parts of naphthulcnesulphonic acid! formaldehyde condensate 82 parts of kaolin.

The active substances are intimately mixed in appropriate mixing device with the adjuvants and ground in corresponding mills and rollers. Wettable powder are obtained which can be diluted with water to suspensions of every desired concentration.

Emulsifiable Concentrates The following substances are used to manufacture (a) a 10% and (h) a 25% emulsifiable concentrate:

111 ll) parts of active substance 34 parts of ermxidised vegetable oil 13.4 parts of 11 combination emulsifier consisting of fatty alcohol polyglycol ether and calcium alkylarylsulphonate 40 parts 111' dimcthyl formamidc -13 parts (11' Xylene; h) parts 111' active substance 2.5 parts of cpoxidised vegetable oil I11 parts of 1m alkylarylsulphonate/l'atty alcohol pol \glycol ether mixture 5 parts of dimethyl tormamide parts ol' xylene.

Emulsion ofevery desired concentration can be manufactured by diluting these concentrates with water.

Sprays The following constituents are used to manufacture a 5% spray:

5 parts of active substance 1 part of epichlorohydrin 94 parts of petrol (boiling range loll-190C) l()20C, there is added slowly dropwise 24.3g 0- ethyl-S-(n)-propylchlorothiophosphate and the mixture is then stirred at room temperature for 16 hours. The salts are then washed out with water. the still present phenol removed with dilute Ka- CO solution and the solvent distilled off. As residue the compound of the formula Conn is obtained, which, recrystallised from petroleum ether and benzene, has a m.pt. of 66C.

The following compounds were made analogously:

The following examples illustrate the preparation of the compounds of the invention and their use. R

EXAMPLE 1 x a. O-ethyl-S-n-propyl o-[ Z-amino-carbonylphenyl]-thi- 7 ll ophosphoric acid ester 2 165g salicylic acid amide and 12.2g triethylamine were prepared in ISO ml benzene. At a temperature of R R R R X R R R, R, R Physical Data (nlC H; C ,H O H CF H H H 11 m. 1111-1114C 11.13 Torr 1 n )(QH; (2H5 O (l H C()OCH;, H C] (11 cm, H, 0 H H -COCH H H B.pt. l4l)C/U l)l Torr 1n IC H C H O H H COOCH;, H H Bipt. lC/U l Torr (n 1(1 H; C H 0 (1 H COOC H H H 11 ,27 1.5234 (n c H C. ,H O (1 H COOCH H H 11,,2115 1.5297 (11 1(3H, H; 0 C1 H C0OC,,H 1n 1 H H 1n C H C. .H O H COOCH H H H Brit. 1411C/11,15 Torr (n 1C,H,, C ,H O H CF H H H 11,,26 1.47112 1i1(j,H, C H 0 H H H H B.pt. 13417111111 Torr (H H 0 H H H H 11,,26.5 1.52111) (3H H- 0 H H H H 11,311 1.5173 (111(.H!, (2H 0 H H H H n,,21 1.51.13 (11 |C;,H7 (2H5 O H H H H lipt. lZ'F-IZPC/(Hlo Torr CH, C ,H 0 H H H H 11,,26 1.5193 (L1H- (2H5 o H H H H n,,2 .5 1.5147 111(1,H H 0 H H H H [1, 20.5 1.51 14 1111(HE, C ,H-, O H H H H 11,,27 1.5107

1(';H7 (H3 0 H H H H Hpt. l35C/U.l8 Torr 13%, (H3 0 H H H H 11,,27 1.5477 1 7H,, C. .H,, 0 H H H H 1' H,s .,H, 0 -(OOCH H H H H B. 1. UPC/11.1111 Torr d1, 0 -L'0CCH,. H H H H B 11. 103-1115171104 Torr 111 1(11H- O WC'OOCHH H H H H Bpt. l37C/U l)(1 Torr (H, O -COOCH H H H H Bpt. 115-119(/11 115 Torr 111 )(';(HT 0 (O(H H H H H 111 1(1,H O -(ONHCH H H H H 11,,27 1.5323 111 1C H S H H -CO0CH, H H B.pt. 13211 111113 Torr 1111('1,H7 s H -C1-g. H H H B.pt. 12sC 11 111 Torr 1n ityH. s ---('()NH(H H H H H 11 ,27 1.5673 In 1(,H s H -COOCH H H H 11,,23 1.5455 In 1(',H; l v s COOC,H -i H H H H B.pt. 1311C111113 Torr 1111(KH; S COOCH;, H H H H 11,,35 L541] 1111("H; 1 o H H -COO( H H H B 11. 119-1341711119 Torr 11110.11 1 s H H C0CH H H n,.:7 1.5091 111|13H 7 s (1 H (O(H; H H 11,.37 1.5625 11111. H- s --(O('H; H ('1 H H 11,,27 1.5595 1111C H- H,, (1 C1 H --(()(H, H H 11,,27 1.54117 111 1(111 H,, s --COOCH., H r H H 11,,27 1.51137 11111111.. H, 0 H H -COOC. .H, H H B 11. C/(L15 Torr 111 (1.H.. H- o -CO(H3 H (1 H H 11,,27 1.5336 111 11 11 s H H COOC H,-, H H 11,,27 1.54117 1|11('-,H,, S H H -('OO(H1 H H 11,,27 L533. 111111 11 .H s -('00(H H H H H 11,,27 1.579: (11 1(311 ..1-1.. 0 -CON1CH;,). H H H H 11,,211 1.531111 1111('1H,- H o CONHC. ,H H H H H 11,,23 1.5313

A. Insecticidal ingest poison action Tobacco and potato plants are sprayed with a 0.05% aqueous emulsion (obtained from a l7r emulsifiable concentrate J.

After the coating has dried, Egyptian cotton leaf worms (Spoduptera li'ruralix) are settled on the tobacco plants and Colarado potato beetle larvae (Leptinmarsa decemlineata) on the potato plants. The test is carried out at 24C and 60% relative humidity.

The compounds according to Example 1 have an ingest poison action against Spodoptera h'mrah's and Leptiiwlursu decent/inertia.

B. Systemic insecticidal action To determine the systemic action, rooted bean plants (Vicia fahue) are put into a 0.0l7o aqueous active substance solution (obtained from a l()"/( emulsifiable concentrate). After 24 hours, aphids (Ap/u's fabric] are placed on the parts of the plant above the soil. The aphids are protected from contact and gas action by means of a special device. The test is carried out at 24C and 70% relative humidity. In the above test the compounds according to Example I displayed a systemic action against Ap/iis fuhae.

EXAMPLE 3 Action against Chflo suppressulis Six rice plants at a time of the variety Caloro were transplanted into plastic pots (diameter at the top l7 cm) and reared to a height of about 60 cm. Infestation with C/iilo suppressulis larvae (L 3-4 mm long) took place 2 days after application of the active substance in granule form to the paddy water (rate of application: 8 kg of active substance per hectare l. Evaluation of the insecticidal action took place 10 days after application of the granules.

The compounds according to Example I were active in the above test against (hi/ 1 .supprcixsuli.\.

EXAMPLE 4 Sterilised compost earth was homogeneously mixed with a \vettablc powder containing of active substance so that there resulted a rate of application of 8 kg of active substance per hectare.

Young zucchctti plants (Cmumis pepo) were put into plastic pots with the treated soil (three plants per pot; diameter of pot 7 cm). Each pot was infected imme diately afterwards with five Aulucuphoru femoralis and Pachmoda or Chortophila larvae. The control was carried out 4, 8. l6 and 32 days after depositing the larvae.

At l 00% kill after the first control, a fresh infestation with 5 larvae each was carried out in the same soil sample with 3 new zucchetti plants. If the activity was less than 80%, the remaining larvae remained in the soil sample until the control immediately following. if an active substance at a rate of application of 8 kg/ha still effected a kill, a further control with 4 and 2 kg of active substance per hectare was carried out.

In the above test, the compounds according to Example l displayed action against Aulacophora femoralis, Pachmoda and Chortophila larvae.

EXAMPLE 5 Action against ticks A. Rhicep/tulus bursa In each of the two test series of five adult ticks and 50 tick larvae are counted into a glass tube and immersed for l to 2 minutes in 2 ml of an aqueous emu]- sion from an emulsion series each containing I00, 10, 1 and O. l ppm of test substance. The tube is then sealed with a standardised cotton wool plug and placed on its head, so that the active substance emulsion can be absorbed by the cotton wool.

In the case of the adults evaluation takes place after 2 weeks, and in that of the larvae after 2 days. Each test is repeated twice.

B. Boopliilus microplus (larvae) Tests are carried out in each case with 20 sensitive or OP resistant larvae using an analogous dilution series as in the case of test A. (Resistance relates to tolerance of diazinone).

The compounds according to Example 1 act in these tests against adults and larvae of Rliipicephalus bursa and sensitive and O.P. resistant larvae of Btwplzilus mi- 'roplm'.

EXAMPLE 6 Acaricidal action Phaseolus vulgaris (dwarf beans) have an inte piece of leaf from a mass culture of Tetranychus ur; placed on them l2 hours before the test for the ZICUII cidal action. The occupying mobile stages are sprayed with the emulsified test preparations from a chromatography atomiser so that the spray broth does not run off. The number of living and dead larvae, adults and eggs are evaluated after 7 days under a stereoscopic microscope and the result expressed in percentages. During the interim" the treated plants are kept in greenhouse compartments at 25C.

The compounds according to Example 1 are active in the above test against eggs. larvae and adults of Te!- mnwlms uru'me.

EXAMPLE 7 Action against soil nematodes To test the action against soil nematodes. the active substance 1 in the concentration indicated in each case is applied to and intimately mixed with soil infected 17 with root gall nematodes (Meloidgyne Avenaria). lmmediately afterwards, tomato cuttings are planted in the thus prepared soil in a series of tests and after a waiting time of 8 days tomato seeds are sown in another test series.

In order to assess the nematocidal action, the galls resent on the roots are counted 28 days after planting and sowing respectively. The compounds according to Example I display good action against Meloidgyne Avenariu in this test.

What we claim is:

I. An insecticidal or acaricidal composition comprising l an insecticidally or acaricidally effective amount of a compound of the formula 3. A method for combating insects or acarids which comprises applying thereto an insecticidally or acaricidally effective amount of a compound of the formula wherein R, is C -C alkyl; R is methyl or ethyl; R is tril'lalomethyl in which at least one halogen is fluorine; R and R are each independently hydrogen, chlorine or bromine; and X is oxygen or sulphur.

4. The method of claim 3 in which R is n-propyl. R is ethyl, R is trifluoromethyl, R and R are each independently hydrogen or chlorine and X is oxygen.

5. The method of claim 4 in which the compound is 

1. AN INSECTICIDAL OR ACARICIDAL COMPOSITION COMPRISING (1) AN INSECTICIDALLY OR ACRACIDALLY EFFECTIVE AMOUNT OF A COMPOUND OF THE ORMULA
 2. The composition of claim 1 in which R1 is n-propyl, R2 is ethyl, R3 is trifluoromethyl, R4 and R5 are each independently hydrogen or chlorine, and X is oxygen.
 3. A method for combating insects or acarids which comprises applying thereto an insecticidally or acaricidally effective amount of a compound of the formula
 4. The method of claim 3 in which R1 is n-propyl, R2 is ethyl, R3 is trifluoromeThyl, R4 and R5 are each independently hydrogen or chlorine, and X is oxygen.
 5. The method of claim 4 in which the compound is 